Search and rescue awards recognise heroes

A group of determined trampers and a life-saving surf lifesaver were among people honoured at the annual Search and Rescue Council Awards held in Parliament tonight.

The top award was given to Richard Walker, Silvano Lorandi and Mika Vermeul who tramped for six hours in heavy wind and snow to reach two people who had become stranded in Nelson Lakes National Park in September.

Lifesaver Jackson Smith was honoured for pulling a 19-year-old woman from the surf at Piha Beach, also in September.

The 18-year-old found the girl face down, unconscious in the water and brought her to shore where he performed CPR for 10 minutes.